Step 5: Assemble the Top Bolts and Hooks

Step 6: Add the Bungee Cord

If you aren't familiar with bicycle panniers, the bungee cord hooks around a hook at the bottom of the rack on the bike. Then, when you set the bag ho...

I have been using these bags on my bike for around 15 years. I basically copied the design from commercial panniers back when I couldn't afford to buy one. I take a canvas bag, about the size of a grocery bag, and bolt a piece of plywood inside of it. The two top bolts connect to hooks that hook onto a rear-mounted bike rack.

It makes for a nice, big saddle bag that holds lots of stuff and it's also convenient to carry by the handles when you leave your bike.

Every few years the canvass bag wears out and I replace it. These bags were very common ten or fifteen years ago, but I don't see many these days. Some vendors have sturdy nylon bags that might work as well The photos in this instructable were taken as I did my latest refurbishment.

Yes, plastic could work, but keep in mind that the board will take a fair amount of abuse if you use the bag a lot, so not all plastics will be durable enough. My piece of plywood finally wore out after about ten years of use (screw hole broke in a lower corner).